Media Release: NTEU supports campaign to protect medical research funding
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) today threw its support behind the campaign to protect medical research funding, “Discoveries Need Dollars”.
The campaign, initiated by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, is in response to a Federal Cabinet leak that funds to medical research would be cut by $400 million over the next three years in the 2011 Federal Budget.
“If this is true, it is an extremely short-sighted and dangerous proposal,” NTEU National Assistant Secretary Matthew McGowan said today.
“A funding cut of this magnitude would be disastrous for the medical research community and for all Australians. Patients here are usually the first to benefit from Australian discoveries. Medical research improves the long-term outcomes of all Australians. It significantly boosts the Australian economy, and has to be seen as a long-term investment that requires ongoing support. Most importantly, cuts to the medical research budget will almost certainly force our best scientists and researchers overseas,” Mr McGowan said.
“NTEU calls on the Australian Government to not proceed with this proposal, and urges all Australians to support the ‘Discoveries Need Dollars’ campaign.”
Further information on the campaign and what people can do to support it can be found at the campaign web site www.discoveriesneeddollar.org
For further comment:
Matthew McGowan, NTEU National Assistant Secretary, 0417 054 110
Michael Evans, NTEU National Organiser, 0418 241 664
Details of protest rallies to be held on Tuesday 12 April as part of the campaign:
Melbourne: State Library of Victoria (Swanston St) 12.45pm – 2pm.
Sydney: Belmore Park (near Central Station) 12.45pm – 2pm.
Please visit www.discoveriesneeddollars.org for details of rallies in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane as they are finalised.
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